You can even learn a lot from leads that don't book with you, if you build report and ask the prospect worthwhile questions.

For the mixed-use building idea, you’re right to be cautious about vacancies as a remote investor.

In other news, it may be tempting to purchase a waterfront property at a deep discount along the Western Coast but beware, you might get flooded in the next hurricane unless you want to do a teardwon and build on stilts. 

Wishing you success as you find deals and build connections—excited to see what you achieve!

Build a local team of real estate agents, property managers, and CPAs to navigate local laws and manage your property.

If you’ve yet to build up substantial credit in the U.S. you can apply for foreign national specific loans that don’t take credit history into consideration when qualifying as in some circumstances you can get better rates and terms applying as a FN when your U.S. based credit history is in it’s infancy.

So, an 8 unit building with all 1 bed/1 bath could be 1/2 LT tenants and 1/2 MTR for travel nurses.

If you're buying it shortly and THEN after you own it will it be ready and available for rent-the costs will be capitalized and accounted for with the basis of the property as well (when you eventually buy it). 

Think that is very true because end of the day you are building a relationship with them and teaming up.

Just be prepared for potential vacancies.My advice is to build relationships with university housing offices.